Toilet Training: The Psychologist

Toilet Training: The Psychologist. Dr Louise Porter Psychologist answers some of the hard questions about toilet training. How do you know when to start, how do you respond to an accident? How do you approach toilet training when your child has some other difficulties to deal with? In a calm logical and easy manner Dr Porter answers these questions and gives some good advice on when to seek professional help.

Dr Louise Porter is a psychologist who sees a lot of families tying themselves up in knots when it comes to toilet training. She thinks toilet training should be a natural easy part of growing up.. but for whatever reason you've hit a barrier, a cool head, a calm demeanour and a little subtle re-wording of parental requests can go a long way.

Dr Porter answers many of the questions posed by parents on the Babytalk Facebook page and some really helpful advice on when to seek professional help.

Some of her helpful advice includes:

Wait until your child's third summer, it means they'll be ready and Summer makes life easier for parents (less clothes to wear and wash!)

Try not to stress as toilet training will happen eventually,

Do your best not to mishandle accidents as this can make things worse as your child worries they are 'bad' for getting it wrong.

Try not to be too controlling in this or any other aspect of your child?s development it can cause difficulties later in life.

Be aware that sometimes toilet training can fall apart at age 3 and a half for a simple developmental reason not because your child has suddenly developed a problem.

Check that your child doesn't? have food intolerance that might be affecting their bowel actions.

Make sure your child is comfortable on the toilet it will make a difference to how easily they can use the toilet.

More information on Dr Louise Porter and her parenting advice books can be found on her website.